NEWSLETTER

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Sunday 27th October, 2024

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
As we prepare to enter into the month of November, our focus is slowing turn at Mass to a contemplation of the “end times”, the fulfilment of the Reign of God, when God will be all in all and creation will have been completely renewed by the transforming love of the Risen Christ – the new heavens and the new earth, as the Scriptures sometimes express it.  Alongside this cosmic transformation (and how we see the need for such radical renewal in our war-torn, divided and unequal world of today!), there is that path of personal conversion and holiness/wholeness that every human person is called to take.
During November we remember both the Communion of Saints, those who have gone before us who now enjoy the fullness of life and love in God, but who are still fundamentally linked to us here on earth and involved in our struggle to live out the Way of Christ, and those who have died and who are still in the process of purification by the cleansing and sometimes searing divine love and mercy (traditionally referred to as the souls in purgatory, from the Latin verb “purgere“, meaning to cleanse, purify, clean or clear) in preparation for entry into the unifying embrace of the Holy Trinity.  We can assist these individuals in their passage through this time of cleansing with our prayers, and so that is why we make it a particular focus to remember and pray for those who have died.  You can use the sheet attached for the names of those who have died for whom you would like the parish community to pray, and these names can be placed in the receptacle in front of the altar in each of our churches.  Since these names will be commemorated individually at the Mass on Friday 29 November at St Andrew’s, please write the names legibly so that they can be included on the list for that Mass.
Pope Francis issued a fourth Encyclical Letter Dilexit nos this week in which he meditates on and expounds in both a beautiful and challenging way on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.  Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was once a hallmark of Catholic life, every home having an picture of the Sacred Heart at its entrance, often with a light in front of it and a holy water stoup. For some, this devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus speaks to a previous era, and so it has often been discarded in our prayer and spiritual life. One of the aims of the Holy Father with this Encyclical is to bring this devotion up-to-date, so that it speaks to the hearts of women and men of the present day and once again takes its place not only in the personal devotional life of individuals but also in the mission of the Church, whose obligation and privilege it is to share this immense love with all people and all of God’s creation.  Please do take some time to read the Encyclical if you can.  It is different – but complementary – in tone and content to Pope Francis’ previous Encyclicals and speaks directly to the human heart.  Reflecting on the Encyclical, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has said:
 
“It speaks eloquently of the love of God for every person. It speaks the language of the heart, a language known to all who love, who yearn, who feel pain, who know loneliness. It speaks of the heart of Jesus, both fully human and filled with the infinite, divine love of the Creator for every person.
 
This Letter speaks eloquently of the ceaseless yearning of the heart of Jesus for us to allow his love to fill our hearts and find in him our way home, to the Father. It speaks of the Holy Spirit of God, the fire of love, holding our hearts and guiding us into the fulness of life.
 
The invitation of this Letter is clear: let anyone who is broken-hearted, or feeling empty of heart, or yearning for love, or filled with the joy of a loving heart, come and read this Letter. It is, quite simply, addressed to us all.
 
In it we will find not only an echo of ourselves, but an invitation to come close to the Heart of Jesus who brings to us the fulness of the love for which we long.
 
There we find the source of living water that moves us and enables us to reach out to others, to offer forgiveness, to make amends for our failings, to seek to build healing relationships of faithfulness and service.
 
In the Heart of Jesus we find the love we need in order to build a better world. As Pope Francis says: ‘For it is by drinking of that same love that we become capable of forging bonds of fraternity, of recognizing the dignity of each human being, and of working together to care for our common home’ (217).
 
This is the testimony of Pope Francis, a testimony written in his heart and offered to the hearts of all.”
A big “thank you” goes to the great generosity of the members of our parish community from India based in and around Cullompton who, yesterday, put on a fabulous evening of Indian dance, song and food for us.  A tremendous amount of work and preparation went into this evening, and it was wonderful to see the involvement of the children as well as the adults, and great to see parishioners from Tiverton and other areas of the parish come along to take part too.  As I have said on many occasions, it is one of the most remarkable blessings of our parish that it is so culturally and socially diverse.  It is a real image of the nature of the family of the Church and brings new life and vibrancy to our parish life.  It was an absolute joy to be able to share something of the richness of faith and life that our Indian sisters and brothers offer to us so generously.  They do not want any financial donations towards the cost of the evening but have said that, if individuals would like to show their appreciation, donations should be made directly to the parish for its upkeep.
Turning to the mundane, the new heating system has been installed in St Boniface. However, it cannot be put into operation because it was discovered that the old gas meter is leaking gas and therefore it has had to be capped off until a new one can be fitted.  Along with this issue, you will recall that the removal of the old radiators revealed a problem with rising damp and the lifting off of the plaster from the walls.  This latter issue is presently being assessed with regards to how it might be addressed, which will clearly have significant financial implications.  After the damp and plaster have been fixed, there will then be a need to redecorate the interior of the church which, again, will be an added and unforeseen financial outlay for the parish.  So, thank you to those who continue to support our parish with their contributions, which are so necessary.  I would also ask those who go to Mass in St Boniface to have patience whilst the various problems are being dealt with.  On a connected note, if there is anyone in the parish who has some knowledge of and an interest in buildings, and who might consider helping me with the oversight of this aspect of parish life, please do have a word with me.
Along with the Newsletter this weekend, I attach:
  • the weekly reflection on the Sunday Gospel from Monika Manser
  • the latest version of Inspire from Deacon Peter, which covers the next two weeks
  • a sheet for the names of the dead for our November Prayers
  • the most recent Newsletter from St John’s School.
Please pray for the soul of Pamela Barford who died this week and for all those in our parish who are living with serious illness.
May God bless you all
Canon Kristian
PS  Remember that the clocks go back one hour tonight!
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Prayer Intention for November

Pope Francis invites us to join with him this month praying for those who have lost a child: “Let us pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter may find support in their community and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation”. To view a video of the Pope himself introducing the intention go to https://thepopevideo.org.

New Missals

The Missals with the new translation of the Scripture Readings, which will come into effect on the First Sunday of Advent, have arrived for those who ordered one. The Missals cost £16.96 with the discount and this can be paid either in cash or using the contactless machine. Please ensure that your name is ticked off on the list once you have collected your Missal.

New Encyclical from Pope Francis

Last Thursday, Pope Francis issued the fourth Encyclical of his pontificate, entitled “Dilexit nos” – “He loved us”. The Encyclical focuses on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ and is a truly beautiful and moving meditation on the importance of the heart and the nature of true love. An English version can be found here.

Solemnity of All Saints

This Friday is 1 November, the Solemnity of All Saints, which is a Holy Day of Obligation for us, during which we are all expected to gather to celebrate Mass. Therefore, there will be a Vigil Mass of the Solemnity on Thursday at 6.00pm at St Boniface, Cullompton, and Masses at 10.00am and 6.00pm on Friday at St Andrew’s.

November Prayers for the Dead

During the month of November, we traditionally pray more intensely for those who have died. As is our custom, a receptacle will be placed in front of the altar in both our churches for the names of your family, friends and others who have died. These will be remembered by name during the Mass on Friday 29 November at 12noon at St Andrew’s. A sheet that can be used for the names of those who have died is attached to the Newsletter.

Toasters and Kettles for CHAT

Please continue to bring in toasters and kettles so that CHAT can replenish their stock which they use to assist those who are given accommodation and who have little by way of possessions or resources to set up a home. These basic items, though seemingly insignificant, really do help to make a place a home. These contributions are taking the place of our usual Harvest donations.

Big Christmas Raffle

This year the Friends of St James and St Boniface are trying a new approach to the big Christmas raffle. We will have a main prize of a luxury hamper and two smaller hamper prizes, instead of the usual 20 variety prizes. We are appealing for donations for the hampers – items that are luxury or made in the Southwest. There is a list of items at the back of church, please put your name next to the one you would like to donate and bring it in by next Sunday, 3 November. If you would like to donate a different item or give a cash donation, this is also very welcome. We are also looking for large hamper baskets. Contact Siobhan with any questions on 07522338897 or email siobhanewarne@yahoo.co.uk.

CAFOD World Gifts

This year’s CAFOD World Gifts Catalogue is now available at church. The giving of a “World Gift” is a wonderful way for members of our parish community to share the hope and joy of Christmas with our global family. Gifts range from a watering can for £7, to a “marvellous cow” for £150, to a community water supply for £750! Change someone’s life this Christmas.

Christmas Shoeboxes for Ukraine

If anyone would like to fill a shoebox, some boxes and leaflets are at the back of church. This year, the filled shoeboxes are going to Ukraine. Boxes will need to be back at church by the weekend of 9/10 November. Any queries, contact Sheelagh Bourdon on 07791 802009.

Accompaniment Training for Youth Volunteers

Those who currently work with youth in our parishes or further afield within the diocese, or who would like to, are invited to attend training in accompaniment on Saturday 16 November, 10.00am-4.00pm, at St Rita’s Centre, Honiton. We are called to accompany young people through the transition from childhood faith to take ownership of their own spiritual journey. Click the link to book a place: https://forms.office.com/e/iiwHfw2dfN For further information contact, Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Parish Christmas Craft Fair

Save the date! The Parish Christmas Craft Fair will take place on Saturday 23 November, 2.00-4.00pm, at St Andrews Church Hall. Spread the word and get the date in your diary. Contact Siobhan for details on 07522338897 or email siobhanewarne@yahoo.co.uk. If you can display a poster, please take one from the back of church.

September Parish Giving

Loose £1165.30 Contactless: £550.00 Standing Orders: £2887.50

Take Action on the Two-Child Cap Policy

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales continues to be seriously concerned about the implications of the current two-child policy on Universal Credit payments for vulnerable, larger families. Introduced in 2017, the policy has been undermining the financial security of families with three or more children. Such families often have no choice but to make claims for Universal Credit as a result of common, but unpredictable, life events, such as job loss or the onset of disability. The majority of families affected by the two-child policy are working families.

This is a matter of principle backed by Catholic Social Teaching. You can make your voice heard and contact your MP by simply entering your postcode and following the subsequent steps here.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 27th October – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • Saturday 26 October – St Chad and St Cedd, Bishops

    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Pro Populo

    ****Clocks go back one hour****

    Sunday 27 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am

    Monday 28 October – St Simon and St Jude, Apostles

    • Singing to Remember at 2.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall

    Tuesday 29 October – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am
    • Monthly Lunch, 12noon-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Tough Times Support Group at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall

    Wednesday 30 October – Weekday

    • Service of the Word and Holy Communion at 12noon (St Boniface)
    • Holy Baptism of Luke Salter at 2.30pm (St Boniface)

    Thursday 31 October – Vigil of All Saints

    • Holy Mass at 6.00pm

    Friday 1 November – Solemnity of All Saints – Holy Day of Obligation

    • Holy Mass at 10.00am Jo Pennie RIP (anniv)
    • Holy Mass at 6.00pm

    Saturday 2 November – Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, in St Boniface’s Hall
    • Laudato Si’ Group at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Chrissie Doyle RIP

    Sunday 3 November – Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Pro Populo
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Josef Gorlo RIP, Teresa, Josef and Janusz Michalowski RIP